Joanne's Movie Reviews
"Thomas & the Magic Railroad"
hosted by Joanne Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
Thomas Movies, Soundtracks & Toys from Amazon.com

The movie stars that lovable steam engine, Thomas, and his friends Gordon, Percy, Henry, and James. Kids will love it, and parents will like it, too.

Mr. Conductor (Alec Baldwin), despite his small size, keeps Shining Time Station up and running. He does this with the power of his magic gold dust. It has the power to take him anywhere he wants with just the blow of his whistle.

One day that precious gold dust runs out. Mr. Conductor must get more, otherwise Shining Time Station will collapse.

Meanwhile, a depressed Burnett Stone (Peter Fonda), who was an avid engineer, has gone into exile with his failed engine, Lady. He obsesses over the time she was attacked by the villainous Diesel.

Diesel, a menacing engine, threatens Thomas and his friends with his giant, retractable claw called "Pinchie." Burnett’s granddaughter, Lily (Mara Wilson) comes for a visit and finds adventure. She meets Mr. Conductor’s beach bum cousin Mr. C. Junior (Michael E. Rodgers). They band together, along with the famous trains, to reclaim Mr. Conductor’s precious gold dust.

I loved watching "Thomas the Tank Engine" on television when I was a kid. I adored my metal models of my favorite steam engines. It was a trip down memory lane seeing "Thomas" again. It’s still the same wholesome, fun-loving show.

The movie will keep kids’ happy in many ways. It has lots of fun musical numbers, and keeps the talking trains chugging along. The scenery is bright and cheery, as was Alec Baldwin’s performance.

Balwin grabs your attention with his boundless enthusiasm. He captures his main audience intently, often saying what he’s thinking directly into the camera. He conveyed his emotions in an over-the-top, comical way, so kids can easily understand what is happening. His lively spirit keeps the movie on track, making up for the movie’s lengthiness. His funny jokes are the magic gold dust of the film.

All aboard for "Thomas and the Magic Railroad."

Joanne's Movie Reviews:
"102 Dalmatians"
hosted by Joanne Spataro
Charlotte Observer Movie Critic
"102 Dalmatians" is a double dose of family fun! A sequel to "101 Dalmatians," this new Disney flick will have parents and children howling with laughter. Glenn Close returns as the deliciously evil Cruella De Vil. "102" starts where the last movie left off. This is the perfect movie for the whole family. It has enough excitement and humor for adults and children to enjoy alike. See more about this film along with pictures and other fun ideas for the kids.

click here to get our FREE newsletter and join our cooking, crafts, health, education & other groups

Thomas & The Magic Railroad

Thomas & The Magic Railroad:
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Thomas the Tank Engine:
The Complete Collection
by Wilbert Vere Awdry, Brian Sibley

This book contains some great stories about Thomas the Tank Engine, and all of his friends including Percy, Henry, Gordon, Anabel, Clara, James, Bertie, and many more.